Odesports1

31/01/2026

31/01/2026

Discovering Talent at Grassroots Key to Amputee Football Development in Kwara - Dr Sarafadeeen

The discovery and nurturing of talent at the grassroots level has been identified as a major tool for the development of amputee football in Kwara State and Nigeria at large.

This was disclosed by the Captain of the Nigeria Amputee Football Team, Dr. Sarafadeen Olalekan Oyeleke, while speaking at the 2026 Amputee Football Boot Camp held on Friday, January 30, 2026, at the Conference Room of the Kwara Football Association (KFA) Inside the George Innih Stadium, Ilorin.

The boot camp was organised under the theme “Building Capacity for Sustainable and Inclusive Amputee Football.”

Dr. Sarafadeen emphasized that proper talent identification at the grassroots would give the sport wider recognition and ensure sustainable growth. He noted that for amputee football to truly develop, attention must be paid to grassroots engagement and structured development programmes.

He further revealed that despite the progress made in amputee football across the country, Nigeria currently lacks certified referees at both local and international levels. He therefore urged interested individuals to embrace officiating in order to gain recognition at continental and global stages.

One of the international guest speakers, Captain of Ghana Amputee Football Team, Mr. Richard Opentil, who joined virtually, stressed the importance of passion, discipline, and hard work in achieving success in amputee football.

Another virtual guest, Founder Teworh Youth and Foundation, Dr. Surajdeen Olaniyi Abdulwahab, highlighted the critical roles of youth development, availability of equipment, adequate facilities, stakeholder support, and media engagement in advancing the sport.

According to him, the provision of modern facilities and equipment would significantly contribute to the growth of amputee football in Nigeria.

The National Team Coach, Coach Gbenga Dosumu, focused on the importance of practical training methods and skill development, noting that these would greatly enhance players’ performance.

Also speaking, Mr. Yahaya Habeeb Olatunji, popularly known as Baba Kamo, advocated for the use of celebrity influence in promoting inclusive sports.

He said such advocacy would attract attention and increase sponsorship opportunities for amputee football.

The boot camp featured both technical seminars and practical sessions.

On the field, players engaged in skill drills, tactical awareness exercises, match simulations, and physical conditioning, while referees were trained on practical rules application, match officiating simulations, and decision-making exercises.

Dr. Sarafadeeen appreciated, Kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his unwavering support for disability sports and inclusion.

He also thanked, Executive Chairman Kwara Sports Commission, Mallam Bola Magaji for supporting and innovating disability sports in Kwara State and beyond.

Awards of recognition were presented to notable individuals who have contributed immensely to the growth of the game as well as Certificates of participation presented to all participants at the end of the programme.

Dignitaries present at the event included the Executive Chairman, Kwara State Sports Commission, Coach Bolakale Adisa Magaji; Incoming Director of Sports, Hamidu Olowo; Publisher, SportsPro News, Bayour Issah; Chairman, Kwara SWAN, Mallam Ayodeji Ismail; Mr. Yahaya Habeeb Olatunji (Baba Kamo); Ambassador Coach Akorede; Coach Gbenga Dosumu, and other notable stakeholders in sports development.

Odesports ✍️

31/01/2026

I represented Chairman Kwara SWAN, Mallam Ayodeji Ismail to talk about "The Role of Media in Promoting Inclusive Sports" at the 2026 Amputee Football Boot Camp held at the Conference Room of KFA, George Innih Stadium, Ilorin.

I cherished this privilege.

Thank you our hard working Chairman.

31/01/2026

Baba Kamo Advocates Use of Celebrity Influence to Promote Inclusive Sports in Nigeria

By Michael Odetunde

The use of celebrity influence has been identified as a key tool for the promotion and development of inclusive sports in Nigeria.

Popular entertainer, Mr. Yahaya Habeeb Olatunji, widely known as Baba Kamo, made this assertion while speaking at the 2026 Amputee Football Boot Camp held at the Conference Room of the Kwara Football Academy (KFA) inside the George Innih Stadium Ilorin, on Friday, January 30, 2026.

The boot camp was organised under the theme “Building Capacity for Sustainable and Inclusive Amputee Football.”

Baba Kamo speaking on the topic, Harnessing Celebrity Influence for Inclusive Sports Advocacy, stated that the influence of celebrities, when effectively harnessed, can significantly promote inclusive sports through social media platforms, thereby contributing immensely to the growth and visibility of the game.

He explained that celebrity involvement would also help attract sponsorship and partnerships for inclusive sports, provided such influence is properly utilised.

According to him, creating a strong synergy between the sports and entertainment industries would guarantee wider coverage and public acceptance of inclusive sports if well executed.

Mr. Yahaya Habeeb, who also doubles as the Ambassador of the Kwara State Amputee Football Association (KWASAMPFA), urged fellow celebrities to leverage their platforms in supporting and promoting inclusive sports whenever the need arises.

In recognition of his contributions to the growth and development of amputee football, Baba Kamo was presented with an award of recognition at the event.

23/01/2026

With Big Sam Lori Odan – I'm on a streak! I've been a top fan for 5 months in a row. 🎉

26/11/2025

Maiden Aquatic Fitness Festival Holds December 13 In Ilorin

Anticipation is building as Ilorin prepares to host the maiden and biggest water fitness show in Africa. The historic event is scheduled for December 13 at the Starwood Hotels 02 Arena, Ajase-Ipo Road, opposite Gaa-Akanbi Junction, Ilorin, Kwara State.

The festival, themed “Water Fitness, Water Massage, Therapy, Dance, Fun & Vibes,” promises a refreshing blend of fitness innovation, entertainment, and networking. Attendees will experience water-based fitness routines, therapeutic sessions, dance, music, refreshments, and opportunities to connect with other fitness enthusiasts.

The brain behind the initiative, Coach Legend Bext, explained that the Aqua Fitness Fest aims to “breathe life into the fitness world and to introduce a unique dimension beyond regular exercise.”

According to him, all fitness activities will take place inside water, and branded vest tops, headbands, wristbands, and face caps will be available with ticket prize of N3,000 for interested participants who complete their online registration

The event is expected to attract fitness lovers from across the country as Ilorin takes the spotlight for this groundbreaking aquatic fitness celebration.

26/11/2025

Ex-Doma United Goalkeeper Osayi Kingdom Relishes Debut Season in Europe

Michael Odetunde

Former Doma United goalkeeper, Osayi Kingdom, has expressed satisfaction with his maiden professional season in Europe after an impressive outing with Swedish club Assyriska FF.

Kingdom shared his appreciation message via his Instagram page, reflecting on what he described as a memorable debut year.

"As this successful season comes to an end, my heart is full of gratitude to everyone at Assyriska FF for making my first professional year in Europe a season I will never forget," he wrote.

The goalkeeper, who joined Assyriska FF as a free agent from Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side Rangers International, commended the club’s board, management, and staff for giving him his first opportunity in European football.

"To the board, management and backroom staff — thank you for giving me my first European opportunity. Your trust opened a door I had prayed for my whole life," he added.

Kingdom also appreciated the coaches and goalkeeper trainers for their encouragement, noting that their guidance, belief, and constant support played a significant role in his growth throughout the campaign.

He further praised the fans of Assyriska FF, saying their chants, energy, and love made a foreign land feel like home. The goalkeeper also acknowledged Global Sports for facilitating his move to Sweden.

The former MFM FC shot-stopper featured in 16 matches for senior team and kept six clean sheets, three games with three clean sheets with Under 21 side and two games with a clean sheets in the Swedish Cup with impressive 73 percent save in his debut season in the recently concluded Swedish third-tier division.

Odesports

28/10/2025

ICMA Pro-Am Golf Open Championship Will Boost Kwara Economy – Jide Allen

By Michael Odetunde

Ilorin – The ICMA Pro-Am Golf Open Championship has been projected to contribute significantly to the economic growth of Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.

Captain of Ilorin Golf Club, Jide Allen, disclosed this on Monday, October 27, 2025, during a press conference held at the Ilorin Golf Club, in Ilorin.

The Professional Services–sponsored Pro-Am Open Championship is scheduled to tee off on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at the Ilorin Golf Club, Ilorin, Kwara State.

Allen emphasized that the four-day event is expected to boost sales and stimulate business activities across the Ilorin metropolis. According to him, the tournament will serve as a major economic driver for local vendors, hotels, restaurants, and shops around the Golf Club.

“The championship will bring in golfers, visitors, and fans from across the country and abroad. This will definitely create a surge in patronage for local businesses and add more value to our economy,” he noted.

A total of 297 golfers from Nigeria and abroad have registered to participate in the second edition of the ICMA Pro-Am Open Championship. Participants will compete in three categories — Professional, Amateur, and Category 1.

Top professional golfers, including Okoko Godwin (winner of the first edition), Sunday Olopade, Ekpe Francis, Peter Akakasiaka, and Kabir Mohammed, are among the professionals expected to battle for honors in the ₦15 million prize-money tournament.

The event will run for four days — from Thursday, October 30 to Sunday, November 2, 2025 — at the Ilorin Golf Club.